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Indian gaming influencers Animesh Agarwal, Mortal, PayalGaming and KaashPlays help us understand how gamers are shaping the future of the creator economy and the positive impact of its boom on other creator sectors.
It is not a hidden fact that people are coming to recognise the potential that the digital space holds. From reaching out and influencing a larger audience with a single post to encouraging a change in the mundane, the content creator industry has been booming over the last 4 years. Recognising this growing potential, the Indian government decided to show their support through adequate policies, adding more value to the people involved in the same. These initiatives include setting up an Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) Task Force that includes creating training programs and more, introducing the Startup India program to provide gaming startups with proper funding and tax incentives so they can thrive in this growing competitive market along with Production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes that was aimed at stregthening the ecosystem by encouraging the manufacturing of gaming hardware in India.
Considering how gaming has fallen under the government's radar with them actively taking initiatives to suggest a smooth flow in the industry, we had a chat with Animesh Agarwal, Naman Mathur aka Mortal, Payal Dhare aka PayalGaming and Kaashvi Hiranandani aka KaashPlays. These gamers talked about the government's increasing interest in the gaming industry, some key challenges they face despite this rise, and more.
Also Read: Level up your Snapchat game with content creator Aatman Desai’s go-to tools
Here's what they had to share!
How do you think the Indian government’s $1 billion creator fund will impact the future of gaming influencers and the creator economy as a whole?
Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO, S8UL, finds that the support from the government in the form of adequate funding is a huge step forward that could change the game for the creator economy. "We’re talking better infrastructure, more opportunities for creators from smaller towns, and a real chance for the talents to shine on a global stage." He also believes that it’s a push toward making content creation a more structured, sustainable career path and not just a passion project.
His fellow gamer and Co-founder for S8UL, Naman Mathur aka Mortal, also agrees with him, highlighting how this support, specifically for gaming influencers, could translate into improved access to resources, better training opportunities, and greater international exposure. "If the implementation is thoughtful and inclusive, it has the potential to unlock immense talent across the country, especially from underrepresented regions."
Prime Minister Modi’s roundtable discussion with gamers was a historic moment. How do you see the government’s increasing interest in gaming influencing the industry?
For Animesh, like every gamer who met the Prime Minister, it was a landmark moment that gave the entire community a sense of validation. "For years, gamers had to explain their choices to parents, to society, and even to potential collaborators. But when the Prime Minister of the country sits down with creators to discuss gaming’s potential and its influence on youth, it sends a strong message that gaming is here to stay." The recent announcement of the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, state-supported tournaments, and the upcoming WAVES Summit, where gaming and esports will play a key role, all point to the government’s growing commitment to nurturing this ecosystem.
Payal Dhare aka PayalGaming agreed as she considered it a deeply significant moment that marked a turning point in how gaming is perceived at the highest levels. "I believe it encouraged families across the country to view gaming not as a distraction, but as a meaningful pursuit with real potential." She noted how this growing institutional support and broader recognition from major platforms will ultimately lead to a surge of emerging talent, particularly from regions and communities that have historically been underrepresented.
What do you think is driving the explosive growth of the gaming industry?
According to Animesh, the rise of multiplayer games and streaming, that is all about connecting with people, has turned into more than just entertainment. It’s a community, a way to bond, and even a career path for some. But the real big reason behind this explosive growth is how gaming has evolved in our culture. "It’s no longer a niche interest’s a mainstream part of entertainment. It’s exciting to see how people can now not only be fans but also active participants in the gaming world. That sense of belonging and connection? That’s what’s driving the growth."
Mathur aka Mortal considers accessibility to be the primary factor fueling this growth of the gaming industry in India. "Gaming today is no longer limited to a niche audience, anyone with a smartphone and internet access can participate in the ecosystem. The recognition of esports as a legitimate sport by the government, coupled with its inclusion in global events like the Asian Games and now the Olympics, has helped validate gaming and esports as a serious career path." Additionally, he also believes that the rise of open-qualifier formats, larger prize pools, and broader awareness of esports as a profession have made it more aspirational. It is the convergence of accessibility, legitimacy, and opportunity that is propelling the industry forward.
How has brand collaboration with gaming influencers evolved in recent years? Are brands now more willing to invest in gaming content?
Kaashvi Hiranandani aka KaashPlays thinks that there has been a noticeable evolution in the way brand approach gamers. "In the past, most brand collaborations remained within the confines of gaming-related products and services. However, we are now seeing a significant expansion across categories such as fashion, beauty, wellness, and even fintech." She has noticed how these brands are no longer treating gaming as a niche, but instead making a conscious effort to understand the community and engage with it authentically. "I have had the opportunity to collaborate with both endemic and non-endemic brands, and it has been encouraging to witness a growing openness to experimentation. What stands out most is the trust these brands place in creators to communicate in a way that feels organic and genuine to our audiences."
What do you see as the next big trend for gaming influencers in India in terms of live streaming, esports, or interactive content?
KaashPlays foresees a greater diversification in the content and roles gaming creators take on. "Viewers are increasingly looking for more than just gameplay—they want behind-the-scenes insights, lifestyle content, and interactive experiences. In parallel, more creators are beginning to explore entrepreneurial ventures—whether it is launching personal brands, developing unique content formats, or even mentoring aspiring gamers."
Mortal believes that the next wave of growth is likely to be driven by esports. "We are beginning to see a wider variety of titles gaining traction, beyond just mobile games. PC games like EAFC, VALORANT, and even Chess—where S8UL will be representing India at the Esports World Cup—are seeing increasing interest." Additionally, he also thinks that the emergence of homegrown, Made in India titles entering mainstream esports will add a much-needed layer of cultural relevance. The growing involvement of non-endemic brands in supporting tournaments is another important trend that he thinks will bring more structure, funding, and legitimacy to the space. All these developments point to a more mature and diverse future for gaming influencers in India.
As we celebrate International Creators Day, what are some key challenges gaming influencers still face despite their rapid rise?
As a female gamer, PayalGaming thinks it is the stereotypes. "Even today, a certain extent of gender bias is still very prevalent. However, while we do face some negativity, it's encouraging to see the emergence of a growing community of supportive fans and fellow creators who uplift and motivate one another." She knows how this sense of solidarity is incredibly valuable and plays a crucial role in sustaining and advancing the creative space. KaashPlays also agrees to facing stereotypes and having to deal with them despite making it big. "We often face heightened scrutiny in every aspect—from our gameplay to how we present ourselves on screen. The standards and expectations can be disproportionately harsh. Although the environment is improving and the community is becoming more inclusive, the underlying bias has not disappeared entirely. What makes a difference is having a strong support system, staying grounded in our goals, and continuing to focus on our passion and the audience that believes in us."
"Despite the impressive rise, the influencers still face significant hurdles, including the intense pressure to constantly produce engaging content leading to potential burnout and health concerns from irregular hours and online toxicity," says Animesh. As a Co-Founder of At S8UL, he highlights his efforts to our focus on building a nurturing ecosystem for these creators to deal with the burnout and added pressure that being a gamer brings. "We prioritize providing comprehensive support, both creatively and personally, to foster sustainable, long-term growth and genuine well-being. Our vision extends far beyond chasing fleeting viral moments; we're committed to equipping our talent to thrive and build enduring careers in this dynamic global landscape." Mortal on the other hand thinks that it is relatively easy to start creating content, but staying consistent, relevant, and mentally resilient is much harder. And one concern he thinks is less spoken about is mental health. "Many creators are managing multiple roles simultaneously—content production, live streaming, brand strategy, audience engagement—all of which require significant effort. Without the right support system, it can become difficult to maintain both creative quality and personal well-being."
How do you think the gaming industry has evolved and helps benefit other segments in the creator economy? Let us know your thoughts.
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